Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Invisible Children Event

On Monday, September 19th, the Justice Office and Celeste's Dream co-sponsored a screening of the latest Invisible Children documentary.

Invisible Children is a grass-roots organization that is working to end the longest running war on the continent of Africa (history of the war). The effects of this war have been felt most pointedly by the peoples of Uganda where Invisible Children has worked extensively. The war has now left Uganda and spread to the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and the Central African Republic. Invisible Children has widened their network of action along with this transition by devloping a Protection Plan.

The event involved the documentary, a short film about the Early Warning Radio Network, and a brief talk from Grace, a Ugandan college student who grew up in this war. Being able to see the footage of the war torn area, as well as hear Grace's personal experience was an unparalleled experience.

In addition to the awareness about Central Africa, the event demonstrated the potential for young people in social movements. From the ground up, Invisible Children is a social movement centered around young people. At our own screening, I witnessed the most passionate and action focused responses from high school students. It was truly inspiring.
-Elizabeth Fairbairn, St. Joseph Worker and Justice Office Intern

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

September 21st International Day of Peace


The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date.

Peace Day is being celebrated by people all over the world. People in England have planned a meditation flash mob, people in Japan will be offering "Free Hugs for World Peace," people in Chile are planting a tree for each nation in the United Nations, and people in Nigeria are hosting a Peace Concert. To view events going on around the world and locally, please click here.

Anyone, anywhere can celebrate Peace Day. It can be as simple as lighting a candle at noon, saying a prayer for peace, or making peace in your own relationships.


Prayer of Saint Francis

Make me a channel of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me bring your love.

Where there is injury, your pardon Lord,

and where there is doubt, true faith in You.



Make me a channel of your peace.

Where there is despair in life, let me bring hope.

Where there is darkness, only light,

and where there's sadness, ever joy.



Oh, Master grant that I may never seek

So much to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love, with all my soul.




Make me a channel of your peace.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

In giving of ourselves that we receive,

and in dying that we are born to eternal life.